EU includes Patriarch Kirill in new sanctions package
Brussels used Hungary’s change of position to add Patriarch Kirill to the sanctions list.
On June 9, 2026, European Union authorities included Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia in the draft of the 21st package of sanctions against Russia. Diplomats confirmed that the head of the Russian Orthodox Church had been added to the expanded list of restrictive measures, according to Euronews.
The individual sanctions provide for a complete freeze of assets within the EU and an official ban on entry into European countries. Brussels intends to approve the package by July 15 in order to preserve the current oil price cap.
The European Commission resumed discussions on sanctions against the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church after Hungary’s new government, led by Péter Magyar, expressed its readiness to support the move.
In 2022, Budapest blocked a similar initiative, arguing that such measures would violate religious freedom. EU officials have now taken advantage of the change in Hungary’s political course and have once again put forward the proposal to sanction Patriarch Kirill.
As previously reported by the UOJ, Patriarch Kirill proposed the creation of a Council of Religions within the United Nations, arguing that such a body could strengthen peacebuilding efforts and serve as a platform for interreligious dialogue. He also supported the idea of interfaith youth forums that would provide young believers with opportunities for direct engagement.
